Have a Lovely Friday...

I know with Pinterest now, seeing beautiful rooms is as easy as 1-2-3.  But some of these I had way before Pinterest was around, and although Im sure you can view them on there I wanted to post these and have you enjoy some sweet eye candy. 

Here are some lovely rooms...

Have a Lovely weekend!

Pictures via : Country Living, Better Homes and Gardens, DecorPad, Coastal Living, Cottages and Gardens, House Beautiful and Southern Accents.  For some pictures I do not have links or whom to credit them too, if you should know let me know.

A little Chalk Painting

Let me start by saying that I had before pictures of my furniture below, but of course, I couldn't find them. That is really the story of my life...I can never find half of my stuff. So just work with me and hopefully you can kinda see the before.

I know in 2011 the big thing was Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.  And for many the hold back was the cost for a quart...$39 for me.  But I went ahead and bought me some Old White and a Clear Wax.  I have to say I like the paint A LOT but I am not sure if I love it. I won't go into pro's and con's but what I will say is that I don't regret getting it. I have painted two pieces of furniture and have a few more that I would like to do and I will surely use the chalk paint.  Its super easy to paint with (like butta) and amazing to distress.  Nonetheless...I will stop chit-chatting and show you the magic.

I bought these two desks in separate places but the one I painted actually looked 'just' like the one pictured.  You could tell they were older pieces with original stain and needed some TLC.  The one I painted was purchased at a Barn Sale and right away I loved the piece:  the lines, the legs, and the simplicity.

Here is the desk/table all painted in Old White...with some distressing and clear wax.

I have moved this table around and used it for many things but currently its a side table next to my sectional.  I know the height of it is not to decorating standards (its too high compared to the couch) but I like the look and it fills the space next to the couch perfectly.

This next piece, a small hutch, I purchased at a place called "Treasures n Junk."  Don't you just love that name. It was hiding in someones space and I snagged her.  It was originally a Robin's Egg Blue-ish color but the color just stood out too much in my home. I went ahead and painted it in Old White and have yet to distress or wax.  I keep holding off (its been 3+ months) because I don't know if I want to go the distressing route.  I think I may keep it this way and just wax.  Its a small piece that doesn't take too much room and holds some of my white pieces just perfectly.

The hutch came with a small door attached on the bottom part.  When I painted it I left it off. I have put it up so you can get an idea of the color and what it looked like before it was painted.

Linking up to the following parties...you should join in on the fun.

   

               

Home Goals for 2012

 

They say if you write down your goals you are more likely to accomplish them and in my case have some accountability. I wanted to link up to 'Nester's home goals' and hopefully be able to finish these projects plus many more this year. I love how the month of January makes you feel like you are on top of the world and can accomplish anything...fingers crossed.

The most important goal this year, and hopefully sooner than later, is to get new carpet in my whole house! This is #1 and if this is all that happens this year then I am one happy gal. (not really)

1. In my living room I want to switch that ugly chandelier that came with the home for something that makes a statement. (The first chandelier is from Ballard Designs and the second one is from Pottery Barn). Striped curtains would be a dream because not only do I love anything black and white but these would make a statement. I'm also hoping to build some bookshelves...it will get done.

2. My windows need warmth and I love the look of bamboo blinds, so this is another cha-chinger! (is that a word??)

3. I currently have all the kids toys in a room. It works but I want something warm, fun and creative. I don't know what I want to do yet but I do know I don't want to spend too much. I think this will be a garage sale, around the house, DIY, thrift store type project. Should be fun!

4. The kitchen is the biggest project. Padlock the wallet!!! But it will make such a difference in our home. We just finished painting out cabinets. Wowzers...that was a big project. Now I want to focus on small expensive details. I definitely need knobs and pulls for the cabinets. I would love new counter tops, and I keep wanting to lean towards butcher block but long term I don't think its the best choice. I would love to buy the farmhouse single kitchen sink from Ikea but that involves a new faucet and a bit of cabinet reconfiguration...its a big sink that needs more room than the current one I have.

5. Another big change would be in our guest/kids bathroom. I would love a smaller pedestal sink since its really a small space, the one pictured is from Pottery Barn. I would love to add bead-board all around the wall and then do black and white stripes like the inspiration picture. I want to take out the big builder grade mirror and add a nice round one or something more custom.

6. I have a few items that need to be painted, this sweet table was purchased at a thrift store over a year ago and it still remains to be painted. The Anne Sloan Chalk paint can is sitting pretty in the garage...no more excuses Liz!

In the end, I need money...a lot of it. Who knows how much I will be able to accomplish this year but what I do know is I want to take it step by step, be thorough and not get over my head. The hardest part is; I am NOT a patient person, at all. Keep checking back on me and see what happens...Happy Goal Setting!

Word of the Year...

Layla over at The Lettered Cottage is hosting a word of the year link party...so here goes mine.

HEART

Well, here's why...  The year 2011 brought many things, both great and sad.  Every one of those experiences has changed me. And in some ways I dealt with them good and in other ways I wish my response to them would have been more positive, perhaps in a more loving way. And now, as I look back I wouldn't change anything but I know deep down in my heart each and every thing that happened is a blessing.

Last year I gained new amazing friends and lost some, had a beautiful baby girl, had some postpartum depression, we got to keep our home (which we almost lost), I learned to be a mom of four (geesh still learning), I grew spiritually, my marriage is stronger, and sadly lost my family (not in a dying way but that's another post).  I also learned to love and accept me more, I did a lot of comparing, I had some harsh feelings towards others and had some pity parties for myself.  The list could go on and on...

And so this year I have committed to do everything with my heart.  I want to do everything more lovingly and more wholeheartedly.  I want to listen and follow it without any reservations.  I want to love myself more and not be so hard on myself, have more faith.  Comparison is nasty, I refuse to do that this year. I want to love others, truly be happy for everyone and everyone's accomplishments or blessings.  I want to love my trials/experiences whether good or bad and grow from them and hopefully in return bless others.  People come in and out of our lives all the time, I want to embrace that and love it and be grateful for those whom did love me and were there for me some point in my life even if it was short or it didn't turn out how I wanted it too.  I want to spend more time loving those around me: my kiddos, my hubby, my friends, strangers, family, and anyone I come to know.

In the end, it all comes back to my heart. I want to genuinely say I followed it this year.

So here is to another year...hopefully an amazing 2012 for all of us.  Lets embrace whatever may come!!!

What is your word of the year???



Letters for Santa

One of the many activities for Christmas that my kids, well two of the four, are excited to do is write a letter to Santa.  And I am feeling guilty even as a type this because I have been putting it off. No good reason really. But thank goodness for Pinterest because they have provided me with an endless amount of options and now I really have no excuse to deprive my sweet little's anymore.

I thought I would share some links just in case any of you were on the same boat...



Wonder Forest

Just perfect..

Picklebums

This one is an actual writing set. Three different paper designs and each one has a matching envelope. And you can get the sheets lined or un-lined-perfect for those learning to write.

Elf-Lined
This blog has three different designs and they come in color or black and white (cute for kids that want to color it on their own)

Living Locurto
These are especially great for little hands because you can give the kids toy catalogues and they can cut and glue  Three different options is even better!



Amanda Parker
Just Darling!

Uncommon Events
Simple but cute


Martha Stewart
And leave it to Martha Stewart.  She has a template from a girl, from a boy, from an adult and even from a pet.   

Me oh My
Although this one does cost $6 it is stinkin adorable!

Well there you go.  Here are some cute options.  Start the fire, make the hot chocolate with tons of marshmallows, play the Christmas tunes...and have the kiddos write away.

Favorite Appetizer

Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese Jalapeno Bites

I recently made these as a Thanksgiving appetizer and they are delish!! Melt in your mouth deliciousness. Not spicy at all and they are addicting!!  Always make more than you think you need because everyone will love these!! I am linking this up to Edie at Life in Grace  for a favorite appetizer link party.

Ingredients:

20 jalapenos - yield 40 appetizers
2 8oz cream cheese blocks
1 package of bacon - which you can cut the slices in half because one whole slice is too big for wrapping.
Optional:  shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar would taste just as good I'm sure)

Buy some nice fresh jalapenos
Slice them in half and remove all the seeds and white membrane
Stuff the jalapeno pieces with the cream cheese (or with the cheese cream cheese mixture)
Lastly wrap bacon around each piece - use an entire slice or use half...no rules
Place jalapenos on wire rack on a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes

* Picture and recipe adapted from the Brown Eyed Baker

The beginning...

I once saw on the front of a card, "She designed a life she loved."  I feel that is me right now.  I am living a life that I have designed and love. I in NO means have a perfect life but the core things that matter most to me are intact and that is all that matters. What does this have to do with anything you ask.  Well, for a couple years now, I have been wanting to start a blog. If you look at my 'inspiration' on the side you will notice a long list of ladies whom I admire and have been following for a number of years.  I feel like I am in a place now where I can take that leap and do it. 

I always had some reason, some excuse, just something that would stop me from starting a blog.  It was a little bit of fear...I wondered if I had any talent to share with you.  The other part was embarrassment...what if I totally failed, no one followed me, and honestly what was I going to share on a daily basis.  But then I remembered why I wanted to do this.  We all have a  story. We all have something to share.  All of us are fighting some battle.  So why not help, and lift and teach and share with one another.

So here I am.  Finally doing it!  Recreating myself!!!  Growing and being vulnerable.  Isn't that how we grow?  When I say I want to share my journey with you...I mean it.  I want to be raw, and honest and truthful.  I have had an interesting life (that's a future post or two) but because of what I have gone through I feel like I must share and if I help at least one person; all of it was worth it.  But on a brighter side....I also want to post about my home, and inspiration, and having our homes be a place where we can be happy and surround ourselves with the things we love, cherish and hold close to our hearts.  I was reading on a blog (apologies but I do not have the source) about a photographer named Oberto Gili in NY who's home was featured on NYSD.  He gave a quote that a landscaper friend of his once said -

"Unless a home becomes a love affair, it is not a success.  You have to love every single little thing-if it doesn't have a memory, a story, it doesn't count."

I hope you enjoy my story....